🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Sean O’Sullivan to unpack a blockbuster opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup.
The team discuss Tonga’s win over England, Isaiya Katoa’s composure, Jack Bostock’s sensational Australian debut and the Kangaroos’ epic clash with New Zealand.
Plus, Kalyn Ponga’s injury, Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco, Australia’s halves selection, Samoa’s attacking firepower and the player market heating up ahead of November 1 — including Hudson Young, Xavier Willison and Herbie Farnworth.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome, Simon’s wedding weekend and Sean’s watch-along debut
2:25 — Tonga beat England: defensive grit and controversial calls
6:24 — Isaiya Katoa’s masterclass and Tonga’s forward power
8:46 — World Cup crowds, TV ratings and representative pride
12:05 — Offseason training, fat clubs and old-school Raiders stories
19:08 — Tonga’s injury setbacks and Siua Wong’s dummy-half effort
21:16 — Robert Toia’s rise and Herbie Farnworth’s future
25:39 — Samoa’s attacking clinic and the Tonga showdown
27:42 — Phoenix Crossland, Mitch Moses and Australia’s halves options
30:34 — Jack Bostock’s stunning Kangaroos debut
32:00 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ World Cup hopes
34:35 — Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and New Zealand’s attacking adjustments
37:00 — Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco: who owns the No.1 jersey?
41:19 — November 1 approaches: Hudson Young and PNG’s recruitment push
44:12 — Xavier Willison’s contract situation and Brisbane’s retention battle
46:38 — Herbie Farnworth and the decisions facing off-contract stars
49:05 — Final wrap-up
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